Wisdom of Solomon 7:7–14

Respect for Wisdom

⁷Therefore I prayed, and understanding was given me;

I called on God, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.^*

⁸I preferred her to scepters and thrones,

and I accounted wealth as nothing in comparison with her.^*

⁹Neither did I liken to her any priceless gem,

because all gold is but a little sand in her sight,

and silver will be accounted as clay before her.^*

¹⁰I loved her more than health and beauty,

and I chose to have her rather than light

because her radiance never ceases.^*

¹¹All good things came to me along with her,

and in her hands uncounted wealth.^*

¹²I rejoiced in them all because wisdom leads them,

but I did not know that she was their mother.

¹³I learned without guile, and I impart without grudging;

I do not hide her wealth,^*

¹⁴for it is an unfailing treasure for mortals;

those who get it obtain friendship with God,

commended for the gifts that come from instruction.^*